Why do some clinics tell their patients to not have sex (specifically orgasms)? I can understand swinging from the ceiling fan might be discouraged, but I'm pretty sure that most times, a really hard sneeze or coughing fit, and especially the gut wrenching throwing up with m/s is harder on my uterus than an orgasm. I mean - not to get personal, but really...

DH and I are following the guidelines of course, but many clinics say life as usual for their post treatment plan, and others are way more strict which also kind of freaks me out.... since we do those things. I don't get into a hottub, but I do like my overly warm baths (and keep them short)....

Orgasms encourage uterine peristalsis (rhythmic uterine contractions). Peristalsis transports sperm into the tubes to promote pregnancy in a natural cycle, but some think it might also relocate transferred embryos in an IVF cycle. If they get pushed into the tubes, it may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Avoid IVF and surrogacy in Ukraine. Ukrainian centers pay shills to post here under numerous sock accounts pretending to be patients in Ukraine. Centers using such deceptive advertising cannot be trusted and should be avoided.

Ghost wrote:Orgasms encourage uterine peristalsis (rhythmic uterine contractions). Peristalsis transports sperm into the tubes to promote pregnancy in a natural cycle, but some think it might also relocate transferred embryos in an IVF cycle. If they get pushed into the tubes, it may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

But what about after implantation and a confirmed beta? Is it likely that implanted embryos will be dislodged from contractions? And of course we all know there are different types of orgasms. I assume you are referring to inter-vaginal orgasms as a direct result of internal stimulation?

I hope this thread is not too personal for some - it's all having to do with the function of the human body in my opinion and since ttc three years ago, all aspects of a woman's reproductive system has been simply fascinating to me.

I always suspected that orgasms helped a woman conceive by drawing the sperm through the cervix, but never suspected that it helped move the sperm into the tubes. Amazing!

I'm in the medical field (I practice general medicine, not an RE or an OB-GYN), but I can pretty comfortably say that many of these guidelines are voodoo.

There is so much in medicine that isn't well studied and so much of what is studied is driven by money rather than science. I have trouble feeling confident about much in medical "science." Although I can't speak as an RE, my best guess is that most REs make their recommendations based on trying to minimize any potential variables that could effect the uterus or cervix.

not sure if this helps at all...I'm interested in hearing what ghost has to say....

I appreciate your answer as a medical professional. One of the nurses at my clinic said they mostly have the guidelines so patients don't feel guilty if they have a bfn or m/c.....

Sonya: Thank you so much for your curious, but direct questions! I know that I have been wondering the same question, but too shy to ask! I am sure lots of other women are as well.

Definitely wondering about the "after beta" question, regarding female orgasm. My first RE said not during 2ww. My second RE said not until heartbeat heard. My current RE said not during 2ww. The internet is filled with advice either way, or "life as usual".

I understand the question about possibly disrupting implantation, but afterwards?

Ghost wrote:Orgasms encourage uterine peristalsis (rhythmic uterine contractions). Peristalsis transports sperm into the tubes to promote pregnancy in a natural cycle, but some think it might also relocate transferred embryos in an IVF cycle. If they get pushed into the tubes, it may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

But what about after implantation and a confirmed beta? Is it likely that implanted embryos will be dislodged from contractions? And of course we all know there are different types of orgasms. I assume you are referring to inter-vaginal orgasms as a direct result of internal stimulation?

I hope this thread is not too personal for some - it's all having to do with the function of the human body in my opinion and since ttc three years ago, all aspects of a woman's reproductive system has been simply fascinating to me.

I always suspected that orgasms helped a woman conceive by drawing the sperm through the cervix, but never suspected that it helped move the sperm into the tubes. Amazing!

I suspect uterine contractions become irrelevant once the embryo is fully implanted, but swinging from the ceiling fan is still forbidden.

Last edited by Ghost on Tue Nov 02, 2010 1:24 am, edited 1 time in total.

Avoid IVF and surrogacy in Ukraine. Ukrainian centers pay shills to post here under numerous sock accounts pretending to be patients in Ukraine. Centers using such deceptive advertising cannot be trusted and should be avoided.

I read about one RE that said that orgasms in the 2WW are good because they increase blood flow. My old RE said no sex or orgasms until 10 week mark. Not sure about new RE but I will ask.

During my 2 - 2WW I had orgasms in my dreams, probably the progesterone driving me crazy. I woke up in severe pain bacuse the contractions were painful because of my swollen ovaries. I got a BFP and our son the first time and an ectopic the second time.

But you have to wonder about all the women who have sex, get pregnant, don't know it and are out there jogging and having more sex and doing all the stuff they tell us not to do...

Dang - I guess my swinging off the ceiling fan party has to be canceled!

My RE gave me a list of things to do and not do following transfer - most notably no sex for 24 hours and no spa/hot bath for 7 days. As an avid horse rider I had asked about whether or not I should continue riding and he didn't have a problem with that - so from the day after the transfer, life has continued as normal for us - horse riding, sex, orgasms (and this is probably TMI, but on a regular basis!) and everything else we would normally do. My poor little bean is probably living with a permanent headache with all the bouncing around I've been giving him! I'm not riding as much as I usually would but mainly because I'm so tired rather than any other reason.

DH and I are following the guidelines of course, but many clinics say life as usual for their post treatment plan, and others are way more strict which also kind of freaks me out.... since we do those things. I don't get into a hottub, but I do like my overly warm baths (and keep them short)....